Metabolic calorimeter employing respiratory gas analysis
US6955650B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/02438
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic rate of a subject includes a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases as the subject breathes, a flow pathway, and a hygiene barrier positioned to block a predetermined pathogen from the exhaled gases. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases. The flow pathway includes a flow tube through which the inhaled and exhaled gases pass, an outer housing surrounding the flow tube, and a chamber disposed between the flow tube and the first end. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow meter configured to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous flow volume of inhaled and exhaled gases passing through the flow pathway, and a component gas concentration sensor operable to generate electrical signals as a function of the instantaneous fraction of a predetermined component gas in the exhaled gases as the gases pass through the flow pathway. The indirect calorimeter further i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.